A summer camp of time travel

The Farjam Foundation in DIFC will host Artful Adventures, a summer art camp for children aged six to 14, from July 10 to August 4.

The annual event, which is in its seventh edition, has previously focused on contemporary art, but this year it goes back in time to explore the wonders of Middle Eastern art by inviting the young artists to discover the magic of the Persian epic “Shahnameh” (The Book of Kings), written by poet Ferdowsi in the 11th century. Artist Yasmin Sinai will guide the children through an array of hands-on projects in various art genres, including painting, sculpture, calligraphy, book-binding, collage and performance art.

During the four-week programme, participants will get the opportunity to view a variety of artworks drawn from the Farjam Collection such as original “Shahnameh” miniatures, portraits of legendary kings and queens and artefacts such as ceramics, textiles, jewellery and armour from 16th- and 17th-century Persia as well as the Mogul and Ottoman Empires.

Under Sinai’s guidance, the children will create their own interpretations of the paintings and artefacts, using a variety of media, including recycled materials such as paper and cardboard. They will work with a new theme every week, and their creations will be exhibited at The Farjam Collection at the end of each week.

Jyoti Kalsi is an arts-enthusiast based in Dubai.

For more information and registration, write to magda@farjamfoundation.org or call 04 323 0303.